Like many other European car brands, Ferrari faced a dilemma going into the 1968 model year as new U.S. safety regulations and stricter emissions requirements made it increasingly difficult for foreign high performance cars to comply with. Luckily, Ferrari had a new car slated for 1968 and designed the all-new 365 GT 2+2 to comply with U.S. export requirements. The 365 GT 2+2 proved to be released at just the right time as there was a long delay before Ferrari was able get the remainder of its model lineup to meet U.S. regulations.

Introduced in 1967 at the Paris Auto Salon, the 365 GT 2+2 represented advances for Ferrari and their GT 2+2 models. A true gentleman's sports car it came with refinements which made it quieter, smoother and more comfortable over the previous model, the 330 GT 2+2. Its low-slung fastback design resembles the 365 California and a more sweeping roofline than the preceding 330 GT 2+2. It is an attractive car that carried on the subtle elegance which characterized Ferrari’s luxury offerings. The European market cars featured clear headlight fairings, but these were removed for U.S. deliveries due to the previously mentioned federal regulations. A most uncommon feature on the 365 GT 2+2 was the use of a very high strength translucent plastic to cover the turn indicator lights that are integrated into the front bumpers. The car was very well received; it was the largest and most luxurious Ferrari to date.

The Ferrari performance was combined with a luxurious interior, creating a most impressive grand tourer. Plush leather, luxurious veneered trim panels, air conditioning, a stereo, Veglia instrumentation, individualized rear seating and standard power windows completed the interior appointments. The shimmering “blood red” finish is beautifully accented by the legendary Borrani wire wheels with knock-offs, eggcrate-style grille, front hinged tilt-out rear windows; four-wheel disc brakes will handle the stopping power.

This 1968 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2, car # 11783 is reported to run with its correct drivetrain and is an excellent driver-quality example of the model. It elegantly epitomizes GT luxury offered from Modena. The car is presented in red featuring body design by Pininfarina. Opening the door you are rewarded with the smell of leather and the sharp crisp lines of its luxuriously designed interior. The supple tan leather seats comfortably envelop the fortunate passengers.

All 365 GT 2+2s came standard with power steering and air conditioning. This Ferrari is powered by a 4.4-liter Columbo-designed V-12. The engine was enlarged from the 4.0-liter in the 330 GT, the extra displacement gave the 365 GT more torque at a lower rpm. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The chassis was modified with a wider track and the addition of independent rear suspension.

This example is a European Specification car originally sold new in Italy. The car left the factory in Grigio Ortello (silver blue) with Beige interior. It was later imported to the U.S. in 1979. Currently the car shows 117,000-km on the odometer which is approximately 70,000 miles. This is believed to be accurate mileage since new. The history shows 104,000-km recorded in 1989. A full history of ownership is available. There is some service history included dating back to the mid-1980s. The last owner of ten years had the gearbox rebuilt and clutch replaced in 2009. The car was shown in 1995 at the National Ferrari Concours.

The car fires right up without hesitation, emitting a wonderful tone. The gear lever shifts precisely and the clutch is smooth, the brakes are effective and the steering positive, all combining to make for an effortless drive that is very rewarding when driven briskly.

The market has climbed rapidly on all 1960s Ferraris and this model represents the best value for the Colombo V-12 experience. It offers the same performance characteristics and experience of Prancing Horse ownership at about a third of the cost of the next two-seater model.